SCHF vs. XLG

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

SCHF (Schwab International Equity ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHF returned 10.07%/yr vs 16.25%/yr for XLG. Their 0.76 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. SCHF charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

SCHF vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHF achieves a 13.16% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 1.55% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHF has underperformed XLG with an annualized return of 10.07%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively higher 16.25% annualized return.

SCHF

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -2.17%
• 6M: 7.52%
• YTD: 13.16%
• 1Y: 24.42%
• 3Y*: 17.56%
• 5Y*: 9.82%
• 10Y*: 10.07%
• ALL TIME*: 7.75%

XLG

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.71%
• 6M: 2.67%
• YTD: 1.55%
• 1Y: 12.21%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 13.16%
• 10Y*: 16.25%
• ALL TIME*: 11.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	$203.16M	$207.38M	$210.77M
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	$60.47M	$91.92M	$104.94M

SCHF vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	13.16%	34.55%	3.28%	18.35%	-14.80%	11.40%	9.48%	22.26%	-14.29%	26.03%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	1.55%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHF and XLG is 0.68, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2009	0.76

The correlation between SCHF and XLG shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (3 years) to 0.76 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHF vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHF	XLG
Financial Services	25.5%	9.7%
Technology	16.4%	49.5%
Industrials	14.2%	2.9%
Healthcare	7.1%	6.6%
Basic Materials	6.5%	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	5.0%
Energy	5.2%	2.2%
Utilities	3.2%	0.8%
Communication Services	2.5%	13.5%
Real Estate	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

SCHF vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SCHF

SCHF Risk / Return Rank: 62
SCHF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SCHF Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SCHF Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SCHF Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
SCHF Martin Ratio Rank: 65

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 34
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SCHF vs. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SCHF	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	0.88	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	1.28	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.16	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	1.02	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.94	3.29	+4.65

SCHF vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHF Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is higher than the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHF and XLG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SCHF vs. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHF drawdown since its inception was -34.87%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHF and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHF	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.87%	-52.39%	+17.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.48%	-12.41%	+0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.41%	-20.70%	+7.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.14%	-28.02%	-1.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.87%	-30.46%	-4.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.84%	-6.96%	+3.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.34%	-7.62%	+0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	3.84%	-0.77%

Volatility

SCHF vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) has a higher volatility of 4.77% compared to Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) at 4.47%. This indicates that SCHF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHF	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	4.47%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.23%	11.10%	+4.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.16%	14.39%	+2.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.64%	18.84%	-2.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.02%	18.89%	-1.87%

SCHF vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHF has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHF vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

SCHF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.12%, more than XLG's 0.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF	3.12%	3.42%	3.26%	2.97%	2.80%	3.19%	2.08%	2.95%	3.06%	2.35%	2.58%	2.26%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.66%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHF and XLG in my portfolio?

SCHF and XLG have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHF or XLG?

SCHF has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to XLG (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHF dropped -34.87% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, SCHF or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 16.25% vs 10.07% for SCHF. On fees, SCHF is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHF or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 16.25% return vs 10.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHF or XLG?

SCHF is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for XLG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHF or XLG?

SCHF has the higher dividend yield at 3.12%, compared with 0.66% for XLG.

What is the main difference between SCHF and XLG?

SCHF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while XLG is S&P 500. SCHF tracks FTSE Developed ex U.S. Index, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHF and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 0.88), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.